President Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the Maldives government will bring in a large dredger to accelerate the Rasmale’ land reclamation project, a key initiative aimed at addressing the housing shortage in the Greater Male’ area.
The President made the remarks during a meeting with residents of Machangoalhi, where he emphasized that the government is working urgently to deliver on its housing pledges.
Massive Dredger to Speed Up Work
According to the President, the dredger is expected to arrive in the Maldives in the first week of December. Once operational, the vessel is expected to significantly boost the pace of land reclamation in Rasmale’.
Muizzu noted that the incoming dredger will be twice the size of the one currently being used for the Hulhumale’ Phase 3 project, which should help accelerate progress beginning in early December.
The government is targeting completion of the Rasmale’ reclamation work by April 2026, positioning the project as a cornerstone solution to the country’s long-standing housing challenges.
Three Areas Being Reclaimed Simultaneously
Officials are not relying on a single worksite. The President revealed that three separate zones in Rasmale’ are being reclaimed at the same time, reflecting the urgency of the project.
This multi-site approach is intended to:
Speed up land creation
Enable faster rollout of housing projects
Reduce waiting times for eligible residents
The government believes this strategy will help meet growing demand in the Male’ region.
Major Housing Plans for Rasmale’
The Rasmale’ development is being promoted as a long-term fix for housing shortages. According to the President:
25,000 plots will be allocated in Rasmale’
15,000 will be residential plots
7,500 will be flats
Application regulations for the project have already been announced, with applications scheduled to open on 4 January 2026.
The new city is planned as an eco-city, aligning with the government’s broader urban development vision.
Additional Housing Projects Underway
Beyond Rasmale’, the administration is pushing forward with multiple housing initiatives across the Greater Male’ region.
Key updates include:
A project awarded to Bank of Maldives to construct 3,000 flats in Hulhumale’.
Plans to dredge deep waters in Gulhifalhu.
A decision to reclaim 150 hectares in Uthuru Thila Falhu for future housing.
These combined efforts are meant to create sufficient land supply for both flats and plot allocations.
Addressing Public Frustration Over Housing Delays
During the Machangoalhi visit, residents voiced concerns about the long wait for housing. In response, President Muizzu acknowledged the delays and assured the public that work is progressing rapidly.
He stressed that:
Land creation has already been arranged
Multiple reclamation projects are moving forward
The administration intends to fulfill its housing pledges within the current term
The President expressed confidence that citizens aged 18 and above who currently lack housing will see solutions in the coming years.
Review of Previous Housing Initiatives
Muizzu also referenced the previous administration’s Binveriya housing scheme, stating that plots had been allocated before land reclamation was completed.
He said the current government is now working to reclaim the required land and hand over plots properly, aiming to resolve earlier implementation gaps.
This comment highlights the political significance of housing delivery in the Maldives, where demand in the Male’ region continues to outpace supply.
Environmental and Future Expansion Plans
Looking ahead, the government plans to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to determine which parts of Giraavaru Falhu can be reclaimed. Work on that project is expected to begin soon after the assessment.
The President indicated:
Resource mobilization for the EIA has started
Reclamation at Giraavaru could begin within a month
Work there may be completed within two to three months
Following reclamation, authorities intend to proceed with plot handovers.
What This Means for the Male’ Housing Crisis
Housing remains one of the most pressing socioeconomic issues in the Maldives, particularly in the densely populated capital region. If timelines are met, the Rasmale’ project could:
Expand available residential land significantly
Reduce congestion in Male’
Provide long-awaited opportunities for home ownership
Support planned urban expansion
However, the success of the initiative will depend heavily on whether reclamation deadlines and construction targets are achieved.
Outlook
With the arrival of a larger dredger and simultaneous reclamation across multiple sites, the government is signaling an aggressive push to deliver housing solutions. The coming months—especially leading up to the April 2026 target—will be critical in determining whether Rasmale’ can truly become the long-promised answer to the Greater Male’ housing crunch.
For thousands of Maldivians waiting for flats or land, progress on this project will be closely watched.
